Doctors set to vote on industrial action for first time in nearly 40 years over pensions row

Speaking out: More than 100,000 doctors will vote on industrial action for the first time in decades as the dispute over Government reforms reaches crisis point (file picture)

Doctors are to vote on whether to take industrial action for the first time in nearly 40 years over threats to their generous pensions.

More than 100,000 doctors and medical students will be balloted by the British Medical Association in response to the controversial public-sector pension reforms.

It is the first such poll since 1975.

The union ruled out strikes, but could take action such as not working beyond contracted hours – a decision which could lead to cancelled operations.

The BMA said the changes from 2015 would see younger doctors paying more than £200,000 extra in pension contributions and working eight years more, to 68.

But even after the reforms, a consultant would retire on £68,000 a year.

Dr Hamish Meldrum, chairman of the BMA council, said: ‘The NHS pension scheme is in a strong financial position and the economic downturn does not affect that as staff have already accepted responsibility for covering any future cost increases.’

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Health Secretary Andrew Lansley said he was disappointed by the decision because in negotiations last year agreement had been reached on the main issues surrounding the pension deals with all NHS trade unions except Unite.

‘All we are asking is that normal pension age in the NHS scheme for doctors should be in line with the state pension age,’ he said.

The BMA said detailed plans will now be drawn up. It comes as the Health and Social Care Bill returns to the House of Lords.

Yesterday, Ed Miliband appealed to Lib Dem peers to help wreck the reforms. And former NHS chief executive Lord Crisp said the Bill is ‘confused and confusing’ and was ‘setting the NHS back’.

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Doctors set to vote on industrial action for first time in nearly 40 years over pensions row